minority

[maɪˈnɒrɪti]

minority Definition

the smaller number or part, especially a number that is less than half the whole number.

Using minority: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "minority" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The minority of the committee voted against the proposal.

  • Example

    The minority of the population speaks the indigenous language.

  • Example

    The company employs a minority of women in leadership positions.

minority Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for minority

Antonyms for minority

Phrases with minority

  • a group of people who are of a different race or ethnicity than the majority of the population

    Example

    The school has a program to support students from racial minorities.

  • a report written by a member or members of a committee who disagree with the majority and present their own views

    Example

    The minority report argued that the proposed policy would have negative consequences.

  • a government in which the party with the most seats in parliament does not have an absolute majority

    Example

    The country has had a minority government since the last election.

Origins of minority

from Latin 'minoritas', meaning 'smaller number'

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Summary: minority in Brief

The term 'minority' [maɪˈnɒrɪti] refers to the smaller number or part of a whole, often less than half. It can be used in various contexts, such as voting, population, and employment, as in 'The minority of the committee voted against the proposal.' 'Minority' also extends into phrases like 'racial minority,' referring to a group of people of a different race or ethnicity than the majority, and 'minority report,' denoting a report written by members who disagree with the majority.

How do native speakers use this expression?